Transitioning to college can be an overwhelming experience, and for many students, the first few weeks can feel like a whirlwind of new faces, unfamiliar places, and new routines. At Averett University, Connection Leaders play an essential role in ensuring incoming students feel welcome, supported, and connected from day one. These dedicated student mentors help ease the transition, guide freshmen through the beginning of their college journey, and offer a friendly face during what can often be a stressful time.
The Connection Leader program is central to fostering student involvement and engagement at Averett University. According to Morgan Dearing, the Coordinator of Student Involvement at Averett, Connection Leaders are responsible for mentoring incoming students, helping them navigate their new environment, and providing them with the resources to get involved on campus. They participate in Welcome Week events, assist students with the check-in process, and represent the university with enthusiasm and professionalism.
“Connection Leaders are the first students that new students meet on campus,” Dearing said. “Their role is to guide freshmen through their initial days at Averett, helping them feel comfortable and connected. They also play a crucial part in encouraging new students to get involved and explore the various opportunities available to them.”
For Hannah Walton, a Junior and head Connection Leader at Averett, the most rewarding aspect of the role is the relationships she has built with both the incoming students and the other Connection Leaders.
“I’ve made lasting friendships with my fellow Connection Leaders, and I’ve been able to form strong bonds with the incoming freshmen as well. It’s incredible to see the transformation of students who were initially nervous and unsure about college, and then watch them grow into confident, engaged members of the Averett community,” Walton said.
The role also provides students with valuable opportunities to connect with faculty and staff.
“Being a Connection Leader allows me to build relationships with professors, administrators, and other student leaders, which has opened doors for personal and professional growth,” Walton noted.
While the rewards are plentiful, the role is not without its challenges. For Walton, one of the biggest hurdles is managing the long hours.
“The first week of school is intense, with early mornings and late nights as we help with orientation and Welcome Week events. But looking back, the memories and the connections made during that week are always worth it,” Walton shared.
Despite the physical demands, Walton and other Connection Leaders understand that their work is essential to creating a welcoming campus environment.
“We’re often the first people students interact with, and it’s important to set a positive tone for their college experience,” Walton said.
One of the most memorable aspects of the Connection Leader program is the positive impact it can have on incoming students. Dearing recalls a story about a student who came to him during the semester, expressing how much of a difference one of the Connection Leaders had made in their experience.
“A new student told me that one of my Connection Leaders was the reason they decided to stay at Averett. The Connection Leader’s energy and willingness to support them during a difficult time made all the difference. It’s these kinds of stories that highlight just how important the role of a Connection Leader is,” Dearing said.
Connection Leaders don’t just work with freshmen; they also collaborate with other student organizations and campus departments to ensure a smooth and engaging orientation experience. They help students meet professors, assist with events, and work alongside departments like Housing and Residence Life (HRL) to provide a well-rounded, comprehensive introduction to campus life.
For the Connection Leaders themselves, the role offers significant personal and professional growth. Walton emphasized how being a Connection Leader has helped her develop crucial leadership and communication skills.
“This role has really pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone. It’s taught me how to communicate with new people, handle challenging situations, and lead with empathy and enthusiasm,” Walton said.
For those considering applying to become a Connection Leader, both Walton and Dearing have advice to offer.
Walton’s advice is simple: “Just do it. I was nervous at first, but being a Connection Leader has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. It’s a chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.”
Dearing echoes this sentiment.
“To be a great Connection Leader, you need to genuinely care about the students you’re mentoring. When you’re passionate about helping others, you’ll find that the role becomes incredibly rewarding,” Dearing said.
The Connection Leader program is a foundational part of the first-year student experience at Averett University. Through their hard work and dedication, Connection Leaders help incoming students feel supported, engaged, and connected from the moment they step foot on campus. Whether it’s guiding freshmen through Welcome Week, providing mentorship, or encouraging involvement, Connection Leaders leave a lasting impact on the students they support.
“As the Coordinator of Student Involvement, I am incredibly proud of the work our Connection Leaders do. They are vital to creating a welcoming, supportive environment at Averett University,” Dearing said. “I am thankful for each and every one of them, and I’m excited to see the positive impact they continue to have on our campus.”
If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference on campus, build meaningful relationships, and develop valuable leadership skills, becoming a Connection Leader at Averett University might be the perfect fit. It’s a role that offers not only personal growth but the chance to positively shape the college experience for others.
